Is alcohol interfering with your sleep?

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Carnival may turn into a party marathon; one party is followed by the other. Very often, alcohol is involved. Partying leaves everyday’s worries and stress behind; that’s alright, if you don’t drink more than one beer or a glass of wine. But, if one consumes a lot of alcohol not only a hangover will be the consequence. The sleeping quality is severely suffering, too.

Effects of alcohol on our body

Stress killer alcohol?

Due to its dampening effect alcohol is relaxing. But, this effect only lasts for a few hours. Then it takes longer to get rid of stress because the body can’t deal with the pressure in a natural way anymore.

Nightcap alcohol?

Alcohol consumed in moderation (a glass of red wine, for example) is a suitable nightcap. Admitted, after one night of partying and lots of beer or wine you are tired and quickly fall asleep. But, the sleep is not as restful as desired. Several studies prove that alcohol affects sleeping quality. Alcohol interferes with the sleeping stages. After drinking a lot of alcohol, the phase of falling asleep is followed by sleep like coma instead of a REM-phase. The second half of the night is characterized by restless and light REM-sleep instead of deep sleep. Constant waking up and hardly being able to fall asleep again, restless dreams and severe sweating are the consequences. In the morning, you are far from feeling fit and rested. Once the sleeping pattern is disturbed over a longer period of time, it may lead to memory- and concentration disturbances, increased susceptibility to stress and to decreased efficiency.

Alcohol influences breathing

When drinking alcohol, your muscles relax – your upper airways and your soft palate are more relaxed than normally, too. This might lead to snoring. People suffering under sleep apnoa have to be especially careful. Alcohol might lead to an increased number of breathing stops.

Increased thirst and urge to urinate

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to an increased urge to urinate – your body dehydrates. Consequently, you become thirsty. Repeated bathroom visits are followed by the need for water. Under these circumstances, a restful sleep becomes impossible.

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Source: https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-2/101-109.htm | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23347102